Marion School District Awarded $12,000 by the South Dakota Community Foundation
March 18, 2025 // Grants, South Dakota Fund Grants
South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $12,000 South Dakota Fund grant to Marion School District. Funding will assist with supporting the district’s summer and after school program, Bear Care, that provides affordable, high-quality care to children of working families in the Marion School District.
“Our after-school Bear Care program will utilize the funds received from this generous grant to help expand our staff,” said Brian Brosnahan, Superintendent/SPED Director, Marion School District. “Adding dedicated individuals will add even more personalized attention and support for all enrolled in the program. It will also open the door for us to enhance learning experiences, both within our facility and through engaging activities beyond our school’s walls. It is our hope that these opportunities will only help better serve and strengthen our commitment to the students/families enrolled in our after-school/summer program.”
The Marion School District began the Bear Care program in the 2022-2023 school year after feedback from community members highlighted a need for accessible, high-quality childcare services. Bear Care’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of the students. The Bear Care program has become a vital part of the community. Not only does Bear Care provide quality summer and afterschool childcare services, but they also nurture the next generation of learners and leaders by preparing their students for success in school and in life through engaging and enriching experiences that stimulate curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
“We are proud the partner with the Marion School District not only tackle the childcare crisis in South Dakota, but to also provide quality care and a nurturing environment for children to grow and learn,” says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer.
To learn more about funding opportunities offered by SDCF, please visit our website at SDCommunityFoundation.org.
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers 1,300 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $40 million in grants in 2024 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.